Located across the street from a lake lined with waterfront parks, four new patio homes models grand opening this weekend in west Houston's Cinco Ranch showcase the latest trends in outdoor living areas, home automation and accessible design.

Priced from the $220,000s to $400,000s, these new models by David Weekley and Villlage Builders are in Cinco Ranch's new Ashfield Gardens neighborhood, featuring a clubhouse and a location within walking distance of lakes, parks and shopping.

Early grand opening incentives of up to $20,000 are available; contact each builder for details. Plans and pricing are at www.cincoranch.com/patio.

Ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, these new patio homes by Weekley and Village are all one-story plans, and many plans include upstairs storage spaces with built-in staircases to the attic, instead of the pull-down variety.

Other features include accessible design, with David Weekley offering modifications such as wider doors and roll-in showers.

Village Builders is highlighting its home automation technology, which allows homeowners to control locks, lighting, the thermostat and other functions while away from home, using an iPhone, iPad or other device.

But outdoor living areas and open interiors with natural light are the main reasons to see these new models.

Village Builders' Bellingraf model features a hobby room with a walk-in closet. Like the family room and kitchen area, the hobby room offers views of a covered patio that extends along the side of this home.

Also by Village Builders, the Nelson brings the outdoors in with two covered patios, both with French doors. The first patio is atrium-like, offering views. The second patio brings light into the family room and formal dining room.

The "front door" of Weekley's Windson model opens to a secluded front courtyard surrounded by the home and garage. Inside the actual front door, the plan has a family room, dining room and three bedrooms. A circular rotunda foyer and two covered porches highlight David Weekley's Grimes model, priced from $376,990. With 2,851 square feet, this plan has three bedrooms, 3½ baths, an open kitchen and family room area, and a study.

Directions

Take I-10 to Grand Parkway and turn left (south), then turn right on Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Turn right on Spring Green, and Ashfield Gardens is ahead on the right.